Planning a renovation? Whether you’re updating your home to get it ready to sell or making those dream home improvements, you want to maximize the return on your investment.

Here are a few of the best ways to do just that, according to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report.

Take your updates outside. Improvements to your home’s exterior reap maximum rewards, with garage door replacements garnering a 268% return on investment, new entry doors seeing a 216% return, and stone veneer facades bringing a 208% return.

Make smart kitchen (and bath) updates. Minor mid-range upgrades, like new fronts for your cabinets and upgraded countertops, bring a 113% return, while major kitchen overhauls see just 51% ROI. Likewise, moderate bathroom renovations – even a full overhaul – outperform a luxury upgrade.

Outdoor living remains a draw. Expanding the footprint of your home with a new composite or wood deck brings an 89% and 95% return on your investment, respectively.

Most energy-efficient upgrades see moderate returns. New vinyl or wood windows, as well as HVAC upgrades, all earned returns at or above 70%. Converting to solar panels was an outlier, with just 30% ROI.

Big additions aren’t top earners. Primary suite additions see 18% (upscale) to 32% (midrange) returns.

As with all things real estate, location matters, and while these are the nationwide returns, your area might value similar upgrades differently. If you’re trying to decide which projects make the most sense for your home, market and budget, your local Long & Foster Real Estate agent can help. They can walk you through which upgrades today’s buyers find most appealing as you figure out next steps. Find your agent today here.